Garment bag systems and methods of use

ABSTRACT

The present invention includes methods and apparatus in which a reusable bag is provided for the collection and return of soiled garments, laundry and/or other clothing items. The bag may be provided in the form of a hamper that is open at the top, with one or more hooks that allow the bag to be hung from a clothing rod, and is provided with engagement devices that allow the bag to be folded up when not in use, and then unfolded to various levels for containment and protection of clean items that have been hung on standard hangers. In some embodiments, garment protection flaps and a detachable accessory bag are provided inside the bag. In other embodiments, convenient handles are provided as part of the hangers which support the bags, the handles being positioned to balance the bag when it is being carried to avoid spilling the contents thereof, the bags having special flaps for engaging the hangers having the handles.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Utility Patent Application No.13/688,183 filed on Nov. 28, 2012, which is a continuation-in-part ofU.S. Utility Patent Application No. 13/041,625 filed on Mar. 7, 2011,which was a continuation-in-part of U.S. Utility Patent Application No.12/703,673 filed on Feb. 10, 2010, which was a continuation in part ofand claimed the benefit of U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29/386,118filed on Feb. 24, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. D651404, which was acontinuation-in-part of, and claimed the benefit of U.S. Design PatentApplication No. 29/355,347 filed on Feb. 5, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No.D637396, and which was a continuation-in-part of, and claimed thebenefit of U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29/355,588 filed on Feb.10, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. D633715, all of which are incorporatedherein in their entirety by this reference.

This application also claims the benefit of U.S. Design PatentApplication No. 29/477,650 filed on Mar. 5, 2013 which is alsoincorporated herein by this reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the transportation of garments,clothing and other items to and from a laundry or dry cleaner, and moreparticularly to improved multiple garment bag systems and methods of usethat conserve natural resources by avoiding unnecessary use ofpolypropylene garment and dry cleaning bags.

2. Description of Related Art

Bags for carrying dry cleaning and laundry, as well as luggage forcarrying garments are known in the art. Often, dry cleaning and laundryservice providers will provide reusable bags to their customers for usein collecting soiled or dirty laundry, garments and/or other items ofclothing to be laundered or dry cleaned. When full, the bag filled withsuch items is delivered to the facilities of the laundry or dry cleaner.The items are then cleaned, and folded or hung on hangers by the cleaneraccording to instructions from the customer. Typically, largepolypropylene sheets or bags are pulled over groups of clean hangingitems to prevent them from being soiled during the return trip to thecustomer. The empty garment bag is also returned.

A typical reusable laundry or dry cleaning transport bag has an openingat one end that may be opened wide for insertion of garments, clothingand/or other items and then pulled closed using a drawstring or othercord. Another well known style of reusable laundry bag is provided withone or more hooks that allow the bag to be hung from a closet clothingrod for convenient storage, such as those shown in U.S. Pat. Nos.2,815,785; 5,370,230 and 6,708,819. Such bags are typically only usedfor transportation of dirty or soiled items. Once cleaned, these itemsare not returned to the customer in the same bag, but are separatelyhung and wrapped in polypropylene, or folded and placed in containerssuch as boxes, or the like.

The use of polypropylene bags in the laundry/dry cleaning industry iswasteful in that they are made from scarce petroleum resources, and theyare almost immediately discarded following return of the cleanedgarments to the customer. In addition, large polypropylene sheets andbags pose a suffocation hazard to small children. The garment bagdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,090,559 avoids the use of polypropylene byproviding a dual-use bag having a large opening with a drawstring at oneend, and a small opening at the other end. The bag is cleaned along withthe laundry, then inverted, and pulled over the clean laundry, with thehanger hook(s) protruding through the small opening in the opposite end.However, this invention requires that the bag itself be made ofsufficiently flexible, cleanable material which is likely to wear out ina relatively short period of time after several cleanings.

It is therefore desirable to provide systems, methods and apparatus fortransportation of garments, clothing and other related items that avoidsthe use of polypropylene for the return of dry cleaned and laundereditems, and that provides durable and long-lasting bags that may be usedover and over to collect and return cleaned garments and clothing itemsto a customer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes methods and apparatus in which a firstreusable bag is provided for the collection of soiled garments, laundryand/or other clothing items, and a second (and sometimes a third)reusable bag is provided for the return of these items after they havebeen cleaned. In some embodiments of the invention, the first bag isprovided in the form of a hamper that is open at the top, and has one ormore hooks that allow the bag to be hung from a clothing rod, such asthose found in a closet. One or more handles may also be provided on thefirst bag, or on a stand-alone bag, to facilitate easy transport. Insome embodiments, these handles may be provided in a form that is easilygripped by hand, and may be formed as part of a hanger that isincorporated into the first bag or stand-alone bag.

In most embodiments, the first bag is made of durable fabric, canvas, orthe like, and includes an upper opening that may be opened wide toreceive soiled or dirty garments, laundry and/or other clothing items.In these embodiments, the first bag includes two broad opposing sidepanels that are attached together at the bottom, and two opposingfoldable end panels between the broad side panels, the four panelsforming a hamper with an open top. As clothing items are inserted intothe first bag in these embodiments, the end panels unfold to allow thebag to receive them. In these embodiments, a first hook is provided at atop edge of one of the side panels, and a second hook is provided at atop edge of the other side panel. These hooks are used to hang the firstbag from a clothing rod, for example in a wardrobe closet or armoire. Inthese embodiments, a first handle may be provided along the top edge ofone of the side panels, and a second handle may be provided along thetop edge of the other side panel to allow a user to grasp and hold thebag during transport. The handles may be attached using a snap mechanismthat will allow for the handles to be removed when the bag needs to belaundered.

Embodiments of the invention include a second foldable bag that isprovided with and may be attached to the first bag, the second bag beingin a form that may be folded up when not in use, and then unfolded forcontainment of clean clothing and garments that have been hung onhangers. However, it is to be appreciated that the second bag describedherein may be provided alone, by itself, without the first bag.

In some embodiments, the second bag may include one or more attachmentmeans (buttons, loops, snaps, Velcro®, or the like) to hold the foldedportions of the second bag together when not in use. In severalembodiments, the second bag is provided with a strap or loop at itsbottom that is placed over a hook at the top of the adjacent side panelof the first bag to hold the folded second bag in place against the sidepanel.

In many embodiments, the second bag includes an elongated opening alongone side for receiving garments hung on hangers, and an opening at thetop to receive these hanger hooks. The side opening may be closed usinga zipper or other attachment means (buttons, loops, snaps, Velcro®, orthe like) for closing the second bag around clean garments. In someembodiments, the second bag may include a loop or strap near the topthat may be placed over one of the hooks of the first garment bag forholding the second bag adjacent to the first. In some embodiments, thesecond bag may include a metal piece or bracket near the top having anopening therein that may be placed over one of the hooks of the firstgarment bag for holding the second bag adjacent to the first.

In some embodiments, the second bag may include one or more attachmentmeans (buttons, loops, snaps, Velcro®, D-rings, or the like) for foldingportions of the second bag against other portions of the second bag forpartial folding of the second bag. These attachment means allow thesecond bag to be partially folded while holding shorter clean garmentssuch as shirts or blouses, and allows the bag containing clean garmentsto be placed, for example, on a separate conveyor at the dry cleaningfacility for shorter garments. Different placement of the attachmentmeans on the second bag allow for it to be folded against itself todifferent lengths. In an unfolded position, the second bag may receivelonger garments (such as full length dresses) and placed on a differentconveyor at the dry cleaning facility used to hold longer garments.

In some embodiments the second bag may include expandable pleats alongits sides; in these embodiments, the second bag may also include one ormore upper flaps that may be folded over the tops of the numerousgarments inside the second bag to protect the tops of these garmentsfrom dust, dirt, water or other materials when the filled bag has beenexpanded open. In some embodiments, the first bag is made of a moredurable and less flexible material than the second bag; in otherembodiments the first and second bags are made of the same type ofmaterial.

In some embodiments, a loop or metal bracket having an opening thereinmay be provided in the second bag to be looped over one of the hooks ofthe first bag in order to keep the two bags adjacent to one another. Inmost embodiments, the second bag is longer than the first bag, and isdesigned to be long enough to hold a cleaned suit, dress or gown. Inmany embodiments, the second bag is provided in the form of a suit bag,and is designed to be folded up into a compact form against a side panelof the first bag when not in use (e.g., when dirty items are beingcollected in the first bag). In some of these embodiments, the secondbag is provided with an opening at its top for receiving the hangerhooks of cleaned items when they are inserted into the unfolded secondbag. In some embodiments of the second bag, this upper opening is largerin order to accommodate many garment hangers, and one or more internalflaps are provided to be folded over the tops of the garments to protectthem from dust, dirt, water and other materials.

In some embodiments, the second bag may be attached to one of the sidepanels of the first bag, with the top of the second bag being attachedat, near or along a portion of the top edge of the first bag side panel.If the second bag is detachable, it may be temporarily held in placeagainst the side panel of the first bag using the loop, strap or metalbracket described above, or one or more snaps, buttons, clips, zippers,inter-engaging hooks and loops (Velcro®), or the like. These alternativeattachment devices are preferably provided at the top of the second bag,but may alternatively be provided in other locations in order to securethe second bag against a side panel of the first bag.

In some embodiments, a third bag having some or all of the same featuresas the second bag may be provided for use on the opposite side panel ofthe first bag, to provide additional capacity for the return of cleaneditems.

In some embodiments, the second bag is provided stand-alone, without thefirst bag.

In alternative embodiments, an optional, detachable accessory bag may beprovided for insertion inside the first bag of the invention. In theseembodiments, the accessory bag is made of a mesh or netting material,and is designed for attachment to an inside of one of the side panels ofthe first bag. The accessory bag may be temporarily held in place insidethe first bag using one or more snaps, buttons, clips, zippers,inter-engaging hooks and loops (Velcro®), or the like. The accessory bagmay include a zipper along an edge (e.g. along the top) for opening andclosing the accessory bag for insertion and removal of small items ofclothing. The accessory bag containing small clothing items inside isdesigned to be removed and cleaned with the small clothing items insideit.

In other embodiments of the invention there is one bag that functions asboth the hamper for soiled laundry and a bag for clean clothing. Inthese and other embodiments D-rings and hooks may be used instead ofbuttons and straps to adjust the length of the bag. In such embodiments,one or more D-rings are provided on one side of the bag, and one or moreclips or hooks are provided at the bottom of the bag. Preferably twoclips are provided at the bottom of the bag, and at least two D-ringsare provided on the side of the bag, one for receiving each of theclips. Additional D-rings may be provided for each clip at variouspositions along the side of the bag along a generally verticalorientation allowing the associated clip to be attached to one of them.When multiple D-rings are provided in this way, they allow the bottomclips to be attached at different positions along the side of the bag.Attaching a clip to an upper D-ring will cause the bag to be foldedagainst itself, restricting the amount of space available inside theopen-topped part of the bag. However, attaching a clip to a lower D-ringwill cause less of the bag to be folded against itself, leaving moreroom inside the open-topped part of the bag. Reinforcement may beprovided for the D-rings in the form of straps or other fabric stitchedto the inside or outside of the bag in the vicinity of the D-rings.

In some embodiments of the invention, the handles of the first bag orthe handles of the stand-alone bag may be formed as part of a hangerthat is integrated into the bag. In these embodiments, instead of thehandles being made of plastic that is attached to the fabric of the bagover an internal hanger, the handles are formed as part of the hangersthemselves or firmly attached thereto, and are then built into the bagwhen it is sewn or snapped together around the hanger. The hanger-handlepieces may be formed as a single piece, and may be made of metal,durable plastic or other suitable material. The handle portions of thehanger-handle pieces may optionally be shaped with finger grips tofacilitate ease of access and carrying. The handles of the hanger-handlepieces are shaped and positioned so as to balance the bag to avoidtilting forward or backward when the bag is being carried, therebyavoiding spilling the contents of the bag. In embodiments of the garmentbag having the hanger-handle pieces, the upper portions of the baginclude specially positioned and formed fold over flaps which engage thehangers while allowing the handles to protrude through so that they maybe easily reached by a user.

Embodiments of the garment bags of the present invention may alsoinclude a cord or drawstring for holding the top of the bag closed. Athumb spring or other suitable clasp may be used to hold the bag in aclosed position. In one embodiment, a nylon cord is inserted through thenecks of both hangers, and washers are provided on the outsides of thenecks to prevent the cord from being pulled therethrough. The bag may beheld closed using the cord by moving the thumb spring or clasp along thecord with the washer to pull the two hangers of the bag together, andthen leaving the thumb spring tightly engaged against the cord in thisposition. It is to be appreciated that the thumb spring and washer maybe moved up and down the cord and tightened to the desired length. Thiscord and washer mechanism makes it possible to hold the bag in a closedposition.

Exemplary Method of Use

In typical methods of use, the user hangs the first bag on a clothingrod in a closet, with the second bag folded up against one side of thefirst bag. Soiled garments and clothing items are collected in the firstbag until it is full enough to take to the laundry/dry cleaner. Thelaundry/dry cleaner removes the garments and clothing items from thefirst bag and cleans them. The clean garments and clothing items arethen hung on hangers. The second bag is unfolded and unzipped, and theclean hanging items are inserted into the second bag, with their hangerhooks protruding through the opening in the top of the second bag. Thesecond bag is then zipped up to protect the clean items inside, andreturned to the user, with the second bag protecting the clean itemsduring transport. In some embodiments, if only short items (shirts orblouses) are inserted into the second bag, it may be partially folded upwith the clean items inside so that it may fit onto a conveyor forshorter garments. In some embodiments, if a large number of items may beplaced in the second bag causing the upper opening to be opened wide,flaps inside the second bag may be folded over the tops of these itemsto protect them from foreign materials that could enter through theopening. Upon or following return of the bags, the user removes theclean items from the second bag, and then folds the second bag upagainst a side of the first bag. The cycle is then repeated, with dirtyand soiled garments again being collected in the first bag until it isfull enough to take to the laundry/dry cleaner.

In the single-bag embodiments of the present invention, the bag is hungin a closet or armoire. If space is an issue, the bottom of the bag maybe brought up against one side using any of the embodiments described(e.g. D-rings and clips, buttons and snaps, interengaging hooks/loops,buttons and loops, etc.). This shortens the length of the bag andreducing both the interior space available to receive soiled garments aswell as the space the bag takes up in the closet or armoire. Attachingthe bottom of the bag near the top will reduce the interior space themost, while attaching the bottom of the bag near the middle will allowfor a larger space. Once filled, the bag is taken to the cleaner whocleans the garments, and then returns the cleaned garments in the bag.The bag may be partially folded up to half-length accommodate shortergarments such as shirts and blouses, which will allow the bag to be usedon a half-length conveyor at the cleaner; or it may be opened to fulllength, if necessary, to accommodate lengthy clothing items, such asdresses, and placed on the full-length conveyor.

It is to be appreciated that use of the multiple bag systems and thesingle-bag systems of the present invention avoid the need for wastefuluse of polypropylene sheets, bags or other wrapping around the cleanedgarments or clothing items. It is also to be appreciated that it is notnecessary to clean the bags of the multiple bag systems of the presentinvention since dirty and soiled items will always be placed in thefirst bag, and cleaned items will always be placed in the second (andthird) bag. In the single bag system the hangers are easily removed inorder for the bag to be cleaned.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide methodsand apparatus for protecting garments and clothing items as they aretransported to and from a laundry/dry cleaner without the use ofpolypropylene bags or sheets, thereby saving resources such as plastic.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a convenientreusable transport system for garments, clothing and other items thatprotects cleaned items during their return.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a bag that maybe folded against itself at half-length so that it may be placed on thehalf-length conveyor at a laundry/cleaner.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a garment baghaving convenient handles that is easily gripped by hand.

These and other objects, advantages, and features of the invention,together with methods for using of the invention, will become apparentfrom the following detailed descriptions, drawings and claims herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective environmental view of the embodiment of FIG. 1with the second bag in a folded condition.

FIG. 3 is a perspective environmental view of the embodiment of FIG. 1with the second bag in an unfolded condition.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective environmental view of the embodiment of FIG. 4with the second bag in a folded condition.

FIG. 6 is a perspective environmental view of the embodiment of FIG. 5with the second bag in an unfolded condition.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the presentinvention with the second bag in an unfolded condition.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 7 with the secondbag in a partially folded condition.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 7 with the secondbag in a different partially folded condition.

FIG. 10 is a detailed view of another embodiment of the inventionshowing the use of upper protective flaps.

FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 7.

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a metal bracket used with embodimentsof the invention.

FIG. 12B is a perspective view of a metal bracket installed and in usewith an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the presentinvention in an unfolded condition.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 13 in apartially folded condition.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 13 in adifferent partially folded condition.

FIG. 16 is a detailed view of another embodiment of the inventionshowing the use of upper protective flaps.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the presentinvention in an unfolded condition.

FIG. 18 is a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a rear view of the embodiment of FIG. 17.

FIG. 20 is a left side view of the embodiment of FIG. 17.

FIG. 21 is a right side view of the embodiment of FIG. 17.

FIG. 22 is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 17.

FIG. 23 is a bottom plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 17.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present inventionin a partially folded condition.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 24 in adifferent partially folded condition.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present inventionin an open condition showing internal flaps folded in.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 26 an opencondition showing internal flaps folded out.

FIG. 28 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of the presentinvention in an open condition showing internal flaps folded in.

FIG. 29 is a front view of a single-bag embodiment of the presentinvention having D-rings and hooks.

FIG. 30 is a rear view of the embodiment of FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 shows the embodiment of FIG. 29 in a folded position with lowerclips attached to D-rings near the middle of the bag creating the firstalternate length.

FIG. 32 shows the embodiment of FIG. 29 in a folded position with thelower clips attached to D-rings near the top of the bag creating thesecond alternate length.

FIG. 33 is a front view of a single-bag embodiment of the presentinvention having buttons and snaps.

FIG. 34 is a rear view of the embodiment of FIG. 30.

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present inventionhaving a single bag having buttons and snaps.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 35 having thebottom attached near the top of one side in a folded position.

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 35 having thebottom attached near the middle of one side in a partially foldedposition.

FIG. 38 shows an embodiment of a garment bag with the bottom of the bagin a flat position.

FIG. 39 shows the embodiment of FIG. 38 in a folded position.

FIG. 40 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention in an open condition showing internal flaps folded out.

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a bag of the inventionthat includes a cord with a thumb snap and washer at one end and asecond washer at the opposite end.

FIG. 42 is a top plain view of the embodiment of FIG. 29 and includes anet bag with a zipper for additional storage.

FIG. 43 is a top plain view of the embodiment of FIG. 29 without the netbag previously shown.

FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 29 whichincludes a detachable hanger to allow the bag to be laundered.

FIG. 45 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present inventionin use on a garment conveyor.

FIG. 46 is an inside perspective view of an unfolded side panel of anembodiment of the invention showing various flaps and features.

FIG. 47 is a close up inside perspective partial view of a partiallyfolded side panel of an embodiment of the invention showing partialengagement with an embodiment of a hanger and handle of the presentinvention.

FIG. 48 is a close up inside perspective partial view of the side panelof FIG. 47 in a further folded condition.

FIG. 49 is a perspective view of the inside of a side panel of theembodiment of FIG. 52.

FIG. 50 is a perspective view of the outside of the side panel of FIG.49.

FIG. 51 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 52 is another front perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 51.

FIG. 53 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a hanger-handleof the present invention.

FIG. 54 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 53.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings wherein like reference characters designatelike or corresponding parts throughout the several views, and referringparticularly to the illustrated exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, it isseen that these embodiments of the invention include a first bag 20having two broad opposing side panels 21, 22 that are attached togetherat the bottom, and two opposing foldable end panels 23, 24 between theside panels, the four panels 21-24 forming a hamper with an open top. Asclothing items 19 are inserted into the first bag 20, the end panels 23,24 unfold as shown in FIG. 2. In the illustrated embodiment, a firsthook 25 is provided at a top edge of side panel 21, and a second hook 26is provided at a top edge of the other side panel 22. Hooks 25, 26 areused to hang the first bag 20 from a clothing rod 29, as shown in FIGS.2 and 3. A first handle 27 may be provided along the top edge of sidepanel 21, and a second handle 28 may be provided along the top edge ofthe other side panel 22 to allow a user to grasp and hold bag 20 duringtransport.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, a second bag 30 isprovided adjacent to side panel 22. The top of the second bag 30 may beattached at, near or along a portion of the top edge of side panel 22.An outer loop 51 may be provided at the top of the second bag 30 thatmay be engaged over one of the hooks 25, 26 of the first bag 20. Inthese embodiments, bags 20 and 30 may be separated from each other bydisengaging loop 51 from hook 25 or 26. Loop 51 may be in the form of acord or strap, or may be provided in the form of a metal bracket 52shown in FIGS. 12A-B having a loop 51 at the top for engagement over oneof hooks 25, 26. An optional loop 34 may be provided with bag 30 to holdthese hanger hooks 35 together. It is to be appreciated that bag 30 maybe provided on the other side panel 23.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show the second bag 30 folded up into a compact formagainst side panel 22 when not in use (e.g., when dirty items 19 arebeing collected in the first bag 20). Bag 30 is provided with an opening31 at its top for receiving the hanger hooks 35 of cleaned items whenthey are inserted into the unfolded second bag, as shown in FIG. 3 andin other figures. Bag 30 is also provided with a strap or loop 33 at itsbottom that may be placed around the hook at the top of the adjacentside panel (e.g. 26) of the first bag 20 to hold the folded second bag30 in place against the side panel 22, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Azipper 32 or other closing device is provided along one side of bag 30for opening and closing the bag for insertion and removal of cleangarments, clothing and other items.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, bag 30 may or may not beattached to the side panel 22 of bag 20. If they are not attached, loop51 is used to hold bag 30 against bag 20. In the illustrated embodimentsof FIGS. 1-6, a plurality of optional snaps 39 are provided along thetop of one side of bag 30 for temporary attachment to correspondingsnaps along the top of side panel 22. It is to be appreciated that snaps39 may be replaced with suitable buttons, clips, zippers, inter-engaginghooks and loops (Velcro®), or the like. The attachment devices 39 arepreferably provided at the top of bag 20 and panel 22, but mayalternatively be provided in other locations in order to secure thesecond bag 30 against a side panel 22 of the first bag 20.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-6, and FIGS. 42-43, an optional,detachable accessory bag 41 is provided for insertion inside a largerbag, such as bag 20. In these embodiments, accessory bag 41 is made of amesh or netting material, and is attached to the inside of one of theside panels of the first bag, such as 21. Accessory bag 41 may betemporarily held in place using one or more snaps, buttons, clips,zippers, inter-engaging hooks, loops (Velcro®), D-rings, or the like 44.In the illustrated embodiment, buttons 44 are provided on panel 21, andloops 43 are provided on bag 41 for engagement with buttons 44. Theaccessory bag 41 may include a zipper 45 along an edge (e.g. along thetop) for opening and closing the accessory bag for insertion and removalof small items of clothing. It is to be appreciated that the accessorybag 41 may be provided with any of the embodiments of the inventiondisclosed herein.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 7-11, loop 51 isprovided at the top of the second bag 30′ that may be engaged over oneof the hooks 25, 26 of the first bag 20. In these embodiments, bags 20and 30′ may be separated from each other by disengaging loop 51 fromhook 25 or 26. Loop 51 may be in the form of a cord or strap, or may beprovided in the form of a metal bracket 52 having a loop 51 at the topfor engagement over one of hooks 25, 26. As shown in FIGS. 12A-B,bracket 52 may include arms that may be sewn into or otherwise attachedto the top of bag 30′ such that loop 51 protrudes out at the top. Anoptional loop 34 may be provided with bag 30′ to hold hanger hooks 35together.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show the second bag 30′ folded up at different levelsagainst side panel 22. The second bag 30′ is designed to be folded intothese positions when it contains short cleaned items such as shirts orblouses. Bag 30′ is provided with a strap or loop 33 at its bottom thatmay be placed around the hook at the top of the adjacent side panel(e.g. 26) of the first bag 20 to hold the folded second bag 30′ in placeagainst the side panel 22. This loop 33 may also be attached over one ormore buttons 55 to hold bag 30′ in a partially folded position, as shownin FIG. 8. It is to be appreciated that although the illustratedembodiment shows only one button 55, additional buttons may be providedat different locations on bag 30′ for engagement with loop 33 to allowbag 30′ to be folded up at different levels/places. See FIGS. 17-28. Inaddition to, or as an alternative to buttons 55, one or moreinterengaging strips of hooks and loops 56 (Velcro®) may be provided atdifferent locations on bag 30′ to allow bag 30′ to be folded up, asshown in FIG. 9. As with buttons 55, it is to be appreciated thatalthough the illustrated embodiment shows some locations for strips 56,additional strips 56 may be provided at different locations on bag 30′to allow bag 30′ to be folded up at different levels/places. When not inuse (e.g., when dirty items 19 are being collected in the first bag 20),bag 30′ may also be folded as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, or completelyfolded as shown in FIG. 2.

Referring to FIGS. 10-11, it is seen that in the exemplary illustratedembodiment, bag 30′ is provided with an expandable opening 31 at its topfor receiving a large number of hanger hooks 35 of cleaned items whenthey are inserted into the unfolded second bag. Bag 30′ may also bepleated along the sides to allow it to expand. In these embodiments,flaps 58 and/or 59 may be provided on the inside of bag 30′ to be foldedover the tops of the hanging garments to protect them from foreignmaterials (e.g., dust, dirt, water, etc.) that could enter throughopening 31, as shown in FIG. 10. An additional loop 34 (not shown) mayalso be provided with bag 30 to hold the numerous hanger hooks 35together. As with other embodiments, bag 30′ is provided with a zipper32 or other closing device along one side, and also provided with astrap or loop 33 at its bottom that may be placed around a hook at thetop of the adjacent side panel (e.g. 26) of the first bag 20 to hold thefolded second bag 30′ in place against the side panel 22.

In some embodiments, one or more optional loops 57 may be provided onthe outside of the second bag 30′ to which labels or customeridentification tags may be attached.

In alternative embodiments (not shown), a third bag 40 having some orall of the available features of the second bag 30′ may be provided forattachment to the opposite side panel (e.g. 21) of the first bag 20, toprovide additional capacity for the return of cleaned items. In theseembodiments, loop 51A on the third bag 40 may be engaged over hook 25 ofpanel 21 to hold the bags adjacent to each other; or bag 40 may beattached to or detachable from side panel 21.

In alternative embodiments, such as those shown in FIGS. 13-16, bag 30′is provided by itself without bag 20. In these embodiments, a loop 51 isprovided at the top of bag 30 that may be engaged over a hook of anadjacent hanger 62. In these embodiments, bag 30′ may be separated fromhanger 62 by disengaging loop 51 from hanger 62. Loop 51 may be in theform of a cord or strap, or may be provided in the form of a metalbracket 52 having a loop 51 at the top for engagement over a hanger 62.Bag 30′ may be folded up at different levels depending on the length ofthe clean garments hanging inside. Bag 30′ is provided with a strap orloop 33 at its bottom that may be placed around the hook of a hanger 62for support. This loop 33 may also be attached over one or more buttons55 to hold bag 30′ in a partially folded position, as shown in FIG. 14.It is to be appreciated that although the illustrated embodiment showsonly one button 55, additional buttons may be provided at differentlocations on bag 30′ for engagement with loop 33 to allow bag 30′ to befolded up at different levels/places. In addition to, or as analternative to buttons 55, one or more interengaging strips of hooks andloops 56 (Velcro®) may be provided at different locations on bag 30′ toallow bag 30′ to be folded up, as shown in FIG. 15. As with buttons 55,it is to be appreciated that although the illustrated embodiment showssome locations for strips 56, additional strips 56 may be provided atdifferent locations on bag 30′ to allow bag 30′ to be folded up atdifferent levels/places. When not in use bag 30′ may also be folded asshown in FIGS. 14 and 15, or completely folded as shown in FIG. 2.

Referring to FIGS. 13-16, it is seen that in the exemplary illustratedembodiment, bag 30′ is provided with an expandable opening 31 at its topfor receiving a large number of hanger hooks 35 of cleaned items whenthey are inserted into the unfolded bag 30′. Bag 30′ may also be pleatedalong the sides to allow it to expand. In these embodiments, flaps 58and/or 59 may be provided on the inside of bag 30′ to be folded over thetops of the hanging garments to protect them from foreign materials(e.g., dust, dirt, water, etc.) that could enter through opening 31, asshown in FIG. 16. An additional loop 34 (not shown) may also be providedwith bag 30′ to hold the numerous hanger hooks 35 together. As withother embodiments, bag 30′ is provided with a zipper 32 or other closingdevice along one side, and also provided with a strap or loop 33 at itsbottom that may be placed around a hanger to hold the folded bag 30′ inplace. In some embodiments, one or more optional loops 57 may beprovided on bag 30′ to which labels or customer identification tags maybe attached.

Referring to FIGS. 17-28, and FIGS. 29-37 it is seen that in theseexemplary illustrated embodiments, bag 20′ or 20″ may be provided withan expandable opening 31 at its top for receiving a large number ofhanger hooks 35 supporting cleaned items when they are inserted into theunfolded bag 20′. Bag 20′ may also be pleated along the sides to allowit to expand. In these embodiments, flaps 58 and/or 59 may be providedon the inside of bag 20′ to be folded over the tops of the hanginggarments to protect them from foreign materials (e.g., dust, dirt,water, etc.) that could enter through opening 31, as shown in FIGS.26-28. In some embodiments, flaps 58, 59 may include additional extendedportions 58 a and 59 a, as shown in FIG. 27, that may be engaged aroundclothing hanging in bag 20′ to provide additional protection fromforeign materials. As shown in FIG. 40, flaps 58, 59 may be provided ina generally rectangular shape having an upper corner removed, tofacilitate easier use, insertion and removal. An additional loop 34 (notshown) may also be provided with bag 20′ to hold the numerous hangerhooks 35 together.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 17-28, and FIGS. 29-37, bag 20′ or 20″ maybe provided with one or more straps or loops such as 33 a, 33 b and 33 cat its bottom that are designed to be placed around correspondingbuttons such as 55 a, 55 b and 55 c to hold bag 20′ in a partiallyfolded position, as shown in FIG. 24. Additional sets of buttons such as60 a, 60 b and 60 c may be provided in different locations on bag 20′ toallow the bag to be partially folded in another position, such as thatshown in FIG. 25. It is to be appreciated that additional sets ofbuttons may be provided at different locations on bag 20′ to provideadditional options for partially folding bag 20′ against itself. It isalso to be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, a single loop(e.g. 33 b) and a single button (55 b) or buttons (55 b and 57 b) may beprovided. In other embodiments, a pair of loops (e.g. 33 a/33 c) and apair of buttons (55 a/55 c) or buttons (60 a/60 c) may be provided. Inother embodiments, four or more loops and corresponding buttons may beprovided.

It is to be appreciated that although the illustrated embodiments showthree sets of buttons 55 and 60, additional buttons may be provided atdifferent locations on bag 20′ or 20″ for engagement with loops 33 toallow bag 20′ or 20″ to be folded up at different levels/places. Inaddition to, or as an alternative to buttons 55 and 60, one or moreinterengaging strips of hooks and loops (e.g. Velcro®) may be providedat different locations on bag 20′ or 20″ to allow bag 20′ or 20″ to befolded up. As with buttons 55 and 60, it is to be appreciated thatalthough the illustrated embodiment shows some locations for thebuttons, additional strips may be provided at different locations on bag20′ or 20″ to allow bag 20′ or 20″ to be folded up at differentlevels/places. When not in use, bag 30″ may also be folded as shown inFIGS. 24 and 25. One or more optional loops 57 may be provided on bag30″ to which labels or customer identification tags may be attached.

In other alternative embodiments such as those shown in FIGS. 29-32, theloops 33 and buttons 55 may be replaced by clips 66 and D-rings 62, 64.In these embodiments, one or more clips such as 66 a and 66 c may beprovided at the bottom of bag 20″ that are designed to be clipped tocorresponding D-rings such as 64 a and 64 b to hold bag 20″ in apartially folded position, as shown in FIG. 31. This allows the bag tobe folded so that it fits on a half-length garment conveyor at a cleaneror laundry, holding half-length garments such as shirts or blouses.Additional sets of D-rings such as 62 a and 62 b may be provided indifferent locations on bag 20″ to allow the bag to be more completedfolded in another position, such as that shown in FIG. 32. It is to beappreciated that additional sets of clips and D-rings may be provided atdifferent locations on bag 20″ to provide additional options forpartially folding bag 20″ against itself. In some embodiments,reinforced nylon strips 61 are provided to provide additional supportand strength to D-rings 62, 64, as shown in FIGS. 29 and 31. In someembodiments, reinforced strips 61 made of nylon or the like may beprovided on the side of the bag to provide additional support andstrength to buttons 62, 64. It is to be appreciated that the illustratedstrips 61 are provided on the inside of bag 20″, as shown, for example,in FIG. 46, but they may alternatively be provided on the outside. Whenprovided on the inside, strips 61 may be looped over the bottom edge ofhanger 75 for additional support as shown, for example, in FIGS. 47-48.

In other alternative embodiments, the loops 33 and buttons 55 may bereplaced by snaps 76 and buttons 72, 74, as shown in FIGS. 33-37. Inthese embodiments, one or more snaps such as 76 a and 76c are providedat the bottom of bag 20″ that are designed to be snapped intocorresponding buttons such as 74 a and 74 b to hold bag 20″ in apartially folded position, as shown in FIG. 37. This allows the bag tobe folded so that it fits on a half-length garment conveyor at a cleaneror laundry, holding half-length garments such as shirts or blouses.Additional sets of buttons such as 72 a and 72 b (and 72 c) may beprovided in different locations on bag 20″ to allow the bag to be morecompleted folded in another position, such as that shown in FIG. 36. Itis to be appreciated that additional sets of snaps and buttons may beprovided at different locations on bag 20″ to provide additional optionsfor partially folding bag 20″ against itself. In some embodiments,reinforced strips 61 made of nylon or the like may be provided on theside of the bag to provide additional support and strength to buttons72, 74. It is to be appreciated that the illustrate strips 61 areprovided on the inside of bag 20″, but they may alternatively beprovided on the outside. When provided on the inside, strips 61 may belooped over the bottom edge of hanger 75 for additional support.

In some embodiments bag 20′″ is attached to a hanger 75 by use of one ormore snap mechanisms 78 as shown, for example, in FIGS. 42 and 43. Thisallows for the hanger 75 to be removed and the bag 20′″ to be launderedwith ease. Referring to FIG. 43, it is seen that snaps 78 are providedalong the top of bag 20′″, on flaps 77 that fold over the upper arm ofhanger 75 to engage the bag with such hangers. It is to be appreciatedthat flaps 77 may be provided to fold from the inside out, or theoutside in, over hanger 75. Openings 79 may be provided in flaps 77 toaccommodate receipt of the ends of handles 27, 28 or handles 47, 48.

Referring to FIGS. 42 and 44, it is seen that reinforcing fabric 81 inthe form of nylon or other strips may be provided in flaps 77 to providesupport to buttons 44 used to hold the removable garment bag 41. Thesereinforcements are provided on the underside of flaps 77 as shown inFIG. 44, and support buttons 44 which hold loops or straps 43 of bag 41.In some embodiments the bag 20′″ may have a tapered bottom instead of aflat bottom 66 as shown in FIG. 38.

Referring to 53 and 54, it is seen that in these embodiments, a handle48 is provided that is attached to one of the arms of hanger 75. Handle48 may be pre-formed with hanger 75, for example if cast from plastic ormetal; or handle 48 may be attached to hanger 75 using a suitable sturdyadhesion process such as epoxy glue, welding (if metal) or the like.Handles 47 and 48 may have the same rounded shape as handles 27, 28.Alternatively, as illustrated in FIGS. 47-52, handles 47, 48 may beshaped with finger grips for ease of use. Handles 47, 48 are positionedon an arm of hanger 75 so as to provide balance to the bag 20″″, toavoid tilting bag 20″″ forward or backward when it is being carried,thereby avoiding spilling of the contents. The outer edges of handles47, 48 farthest from the central hook portion of hanger 75 may be raisedor be longer than the inner edges thereof to help facilitate suchbalance.

In the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 46-52, it is seen that specialflaps are provided on bag 20″″ to accommodate handles 47, 48. As shownin FIGS. 46-49, it is seen that a set of flaps 90-92 are provided at thetop of one side of bag 20″″, with gaps 79 between them, to accommodatehandles 47, 48. Flap 90 is provided between an upper end of exemplaryhandle 48 and the hook of hanger 75, flap 91 is provided to fold throughthe inside of handle 48, and flap 92 is provided on the lower end ofhanger 75 below handle 48. Although snaps 78 are illustrated, it is tobe appreciated that flaps 90-92 may be attached over hanger 75 using anysuitable means including without limitation, stitching (sewing), hooksand loops (Velcro®), buttons, hooks or the like. A larger flap 93 isprovided on the opposite side of hanger from handle 48, and a gap 95 isprovided in flap 93 to allow access to clip 63 when flap 93 is foldedinto place, as shown in FIG. 48. Flap 93 may also be attached overhanger 75 using any suitable means including without limitation, snaps,stitching (sewing), hooks and loops (Velcro®), buttons, hooks or thelike.

Once flaps 90-92 and 93 are folded over hanger 75 and attached to a sideof bag 20″″, optional outer flaps 98 and 99 may be folded inward asshown in FIG. 49, and attached to the side of bag 20″″. Folding clips 63are attached to the lower edge of hanger 75 to complete a secureengagement of bag 20″″ with hanger 75.

A bag 20 may also include a cord 69 which may be doubled over and whichmay include a clip 71 on one end, a thumb spring 83 on the other end,and two washers 70 a, 70 b in between the two ends as shown in FIG. 41.One washer 70 a and the clip 71 is on the adjacent side of the hanger 75while the other large washer 70 b is positioned next to the thumb spring83. Washers 70 a, 70 b prevent cord 69 from being pulled through thenecks of hangers 75. In use, when thumb spring 83 is moved towards theadjacent clip 71 and engaged, washer 70 a will hold the bag in a closedposition.

In use, bag 20 of the multiple bag system is hung on a clothing rod 29in a closet, with the second bag 30 (and optional third bag 40, ifprovided) folded up against one side of the bag 20, preferably with loop51 engaged over a hook 25, 26 of first bag 20. Soiled garments andclothing items 19 are collected in the first bag 20 until it is fullenough to take to the laundry/dry cleaner. The laundry/dry cleanerremoves the garments and clothing items 19 from the first bag 20 andcleans them. The clean garments and clothing items are then hung onhangers which include hooks 35. The second bag 30 is unfolded andunzipped, and the clean hanging items are inserted into the second bag,with their hanger hooks 35 protruding through the opening 31 in the topof the second bag 30. An optional loop 34 provided with bag 30 may beused to hold hanger hooks 35 together. If multiple items are insertedinto bag 30 causing opening 31 to be extended, flaps 54, 55 may befolded over the tops of the clothing items to protect them from dust,dirt, water or other materials. Bag 30 is then zipped up to protect theclean items inside, and may be partially folded up as shown in FIGS. 8and 9 if only short items (e.g., shirts/blouses) have been inserted intosecond bag 30, to allow it to be placed on a short garment conveyor, andfor ease of transport. Additional items may be inserted into a third bag40, if provided, which may be zipped and folded as with second bag 30.The bags are then returned to the user, with bag 30 (and 40, ifprovided) protecting the clean items during transport. Upon or followingreturn, the user removes the clean items from bag 30 (and 40, ifprovided), and then folds the second bag up against a side of the firstbag 20. The cycle is then repeated, with dirty and soiled garments againbeing collected in the first bag 20 until it is full enough to take tothe laundry/dry cleaner.

In use, the alternative bag 30′ of the embodiments of FIGS. 13-16 ishung in a folded or unfolded condition on a hanger 62 in the closet of auser. Empty bag 30′ is delivered to the dry cleaner along with dirtygarments, clothing and laundry items to be cleaned. The dirty items arecleaned, and then hung on hangers 35. If no bag 30′ is provided by theuser, the dry cleaner may provide one. Bag 30′ is unfolded and unzipped,and the clean hanging items are inserted into the bag, with their hangerhooks 35 protruding through the opening 31 in the top of bag 30′. Anoptional loop 34 provided with bag 30′ may be used to hold hanger hooks35 together. If multiple items are inserted into bag 30′ causing opening31 to be extended, flaps 58, 59 may be folded over the tops of theclothing items to protect them from dust, dirt, water or othermaterials. Bag 30′ is then zipped up to protect the clean items inside,and may be partially folded up as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 if only shortitems (e.g., shirts/blouses) have been inserted into second bag 30′, toallow it to be placed on a short garment conveyor, and for ease oftransport. The bag is then returned to the user, with bag 30′ protectingthe clean items during transport. Upon or following return, the userremoves the clean items from bag 30′ and may then fold the bag up orleave it unfolded, hanging it on a hanger 62 using loop 51. The cycle isthen repeated, with dirty and soiled garments again being collected anddelivered with bag 30′ to the laundry/dry cleaner.

In use, the stand alone alternative bag 20′ of the embodiments of FIGS.17-37 is hung in a folded or unfolded condition on a hanger 62 in thecloset of a user. Bag 20′ is delivered to the dry cleaner along withdirty garments, clothing and laundry items to be cleaned. The dirtyitems are cleaned, and then hung on hangers 35. If no bag 20′ isprovided by the user, the dry cleaner may provide one. Bag 20′ isunfolded, and the clean hanging items are inserted into the bag, withtheir hanger hooks 35 protruding through the opening 31 in the top ofbag 20′. If only shorter garments such as shirts or blouses are present,bag 20′ may be folded up so that it may be placed on the dry cleaner'sconveyor for shorter-length garments. However, if longer garments (e.g.dresses) are included, then bag 20′ may be completely unfolded and hungon the cleaner's conveyor for longer items. An optional loop 34 providedwith bag 20′ may be used to hold hanger hooks 35 together. If multipleitems are inserted into bag 20′ causing opening 31 to be extended, flaps58, 59 may be folded over the tops of the clothing items to protect themfrom dust, dirt, water or other materials. Bag 20′ may be partiallyfolded up as shown in FIGS. 24 and 25 if only short items (e.g.,shirts/blouses 36) have been inserted into bag 20′, to allow it to beplaced on a short garment conveyor 37, and for ease of transport. SeeFIG. 45. The bag is then returned to the user, with bag 20′ protectingthe clean items during transport. Upon or following return, the userremoves the clean items from bag 20′ and may then fold the bag up orleave it unfolded, hanging it on a hanger 62. The cycle is thenrepeated, with dirty and soiled garments again being collected anddelivered with bag 20′ to the laundry/dry cleaner.

It is to be appreciated that the single-bag embodiments of FIGS. 28-37,the bag 20′ may be hung in a closet or armoire, with the bottom of thebag brought up against one side using any of the embodiments describedherein (e.g. D-rings and clips, buttons and snaps, interengaginghooks/loops, buttons and loops, etc.). This shortens the length of thebag 20′ and reducing both the interior space available to receive soiledgarments as well as the space the bag takes up in the closet or armoire.Attaching the bottom of the bag near the top will reduce the interiorspace the most, while attaching the bottom of the bag near the middlewill allow for a larger space. Once filled, the bag 20′ is taken to thecleaner who cleans the garments, and then returns the cleaned garmentsin the bag which may be opened to full length, if necessary, toaccommodate lengthy clothing items, such as a dress.

It is to be understood that variations and modifications of the presentinvention may be made without departing from the scope thereof Inparticular, different embodiments of the first bags 20, 20′, 20″, 20′″and 20′″ and the second bags 30, 30′, 30″ and 30′″ of the invention mayinclude different combinations or permutations of some or all of thevarious features illustrated and/or described herein. It is also to beunderstood that the present invention is not to be limited by thespecific embodiments disclosed herein, but only in accordance with theappended claims when read in light of the foregoing specification.

What is claimed is:
 1. A bag for transporting garments comprising: apair of oppositely positioned side panels (21′″,22′″) joined together ata closed bottom end, and a pair of oppositely positioned pleated endpanels (23′″,24′″) attached between said side panels forming said bag,said bag being open at an opposite upper end and having an interior andan exterior; a pair of hangers (75), each hanger having an upwardlyprotruding central hook, a pair of arms, and an upwardly protrudinghandle (48) on a first of said arms; a plurality of flaps at said upperend of said bag for engagement with said hangers, said plurality offlaps including a first flap (90) provided for engagement over an upperend of said first arm of said hanger above said handle, a second flap(91) for engagement over said arm of said hanger through said handle,and a third flap (92) for engagement over said arm of said hanger belowsaid handle.
 2. The bag of claim 1 wherein each of said handles includesat least one finger grip.
 3. The bag of claim 1 wherein said handles areformed as part of said hangers.
 4. The bag of claim 1 wherein saidhandles are firmly attached to said hangers.
 5. The bag of claim 4wherein said handles are welded to said hangers.
 6. The bag of claim 1wherein said handles are attached at locations on said hangers whichbalance said bag when carried by said handles.
 7. The bag of claim 1further comprising a pair of longitudinal reinforcing strips (61)located on the interior of each side panel, each strip having a foldover flap (63) at a top thereof for engaging one of said hangers,wherein each of said side panels further comprises an upper flap (93)for engagement over a second arm of said hanger, said flap having a slottherein allowing access to the fold over flap of one of said strips whensaid upper flap is engaged.
 8. The bag of claim 1 wherein each of saidside panels further comprises a pair of longitudinal outside flaps. 9.The bag of claim 1 further comprising two L-shaped flaps provided on theinterior of said bag adjacent to said top opening for folding over itemshanging inside said bag to protect the items from outside materials. 10.The bag of claim 1 wherein said first, second and third flaps are closedusing at least one snap.
 11. The bag of claim 1 further comprising atleast one snap on at least one of said flaps for holding a detachableaccessory bag.
 12. The bag of claim 11 further comprising reinforcingfabric on said upper flaps adjacent to each of said at least one snapsfor holding said accessory bag.
 13. The bag of claim 1 furthercomprising a draw string provided through each of said hanger hooks. 14.The bag of claim 13 further comprising a pair of washers and a thumbspring on said draw string.
 15. The bag of claim 1 further comprising adetachable accessory bag for attachment to the inside of one of saidside panels of said garment bag.
 16. A bag for transporting garmentscomprising: a pair of oppositely positioned side panels (21′″,22′″)joined together at a closed bottom end, and a pair of oppositelypositioned pleated end panels (23′″,24′″) attached between said sidepanels forming said bag, said bag being open at an opposite upper endand having an interior and an exterior; a pair of hangers (75), eachhanger having an upwardly protruding central hook, a pair of arms, andan upwardly protruding handle (48) on a first of said arms, each handlehaving at least one finger grip thereon and being located on said hangerat a position which balances said bag when carried by said handles; anda plurality of flaps at said upper end of said bag for engagement withsaid hangers, said plurality of flaps including a first flap (90)provided for engagement over an upper end of said first arm of saidhanger above said handle, a second flap (91) for engagement over saidarm of said hanger through said handle, and a third flap (92) forengagement over said arm of said hanger below said handle.
 17. The bagof claim 16 further comprising a pair of longitudinal reinforcing straps(61) provided on the interior of both side panels of said bag.
 18. Thebag of claim 16 wherein said handles are formed as part of said hangers.19. The bag of claim 16 wherein said handles are firmly attached to saidhangers.
 20. The bag of claim 19 wherein said handles are welded to saidhangers.
 21. The bag of claim 16 further comprising a clip (63) providedat a top of each of said straps for engagement with lower portions ofsaid hangers.
 22. The bag of claim 17 further comprising an upper flap(93) for engagement over a second arm of said hanger, said flap having aslot therein allowing access to the fold over flap of one of said stripswhen said upper flap is engaged over said second hanger arm.
 23. The bagof claim 16 wherein each of said side panels further comprises a pair oflongitudinal outside flaps.
 24. The bag of claim 16 further comprisingtwo L-shaped flaps provided on the interior of said bag adjacent to saidtop opening for folding over items hanging inside said bag to protectthe items from outside materials.
 25. The bag of claim 16 wherein saidfirst, second and third flaps are closed using at least one snap. 26.The bag of claim 16 further comprising a detachable accessory bag forattachment to the inside of one of said side panels of said garment bag.27. A method of forming a side panel for use a garment bag comprisingthe steps of: a. placing a hanger having a handle on one arm thereofadjacent to a side panel, said side panel comprising a central body, apair of longitudinal reinforcing strips located on one side of saidpanel, each strip having a fold over flap at a top thereof for engaginga lower portion of said hanger, said side panel further comprising afirst upper flap for engagement over an upper end of an arm of saidhanger above said handle, a second flap for engagement over said arm ofsaid hanger through said handle, a third flap for engagement over saidarm of said hanger below said handle, a fourth flap having a notchthereon for engagement over an opposite arm of said hanger, and a pairof longitudinal side flaps; b. engaging said fold over flaps with thelower portion of said hanger; c. folding said first flap over saidhanger arm above said handle; d. folding said second flap over saidhanger arm through said handle; e. folding said third flap over saidhanger arm below said handle; f. folding said fourth flap over saidopposite hanger arm such that said notch allows access to one of saidfold over flaps; g. folding one of said longitudinal side flaps againstsaid side panel; and h. folding the other of said longitudinal sideflaps against said side panel.